Bridgestone S20 tyre review

**Drew** · 24th July 2012, 15:03

I haven't ridden since my last update. The weather has been shithouse, and I don't commute.

I will however be entering a round of the Vic club winter series, in post 90's carbed class, so I'll give you a big write up on that experience.

**White trash** · 24th July 2012, 15:41

Originally Posted by Drew

I haven't ridden since my last update. The weather has been shithouse, and I don't commute.

I will however be entering a round of the Vic club winter series, in post 90's carbed class, so I'll give you a big write up on that experience.

Fuck yeah! I'll book that Saturday off negro.

**Drew** · 24th July 2012, 15:50

Originally Posted by White trash

Fuck yeah! I'll book that Saturday off negro.

Choice, pit bitch scored!

**onearmedbandit** · 24th July 2012, 16:49

Originally Posted by Madness

How are these tyres going lads?

I've put about 300km on mine of open road riding and they are still performing faultlessly. Lots of feedback that only serves to inspire more confidence, great 'flickability' and grip galore. Smiles all round. Another 200km and I'll do a proper update.

**driftn** · 25th July 2012, 19:22

Originally Posted by Drew

Choice, pit bitch scored!

I too will make that meeting.

**Drew** · 25th July 2012, 21:37

Originally Posted by driftn

I too will make that meeting.

Choice, tyre changer if it rains scored!

**Drew** · 1st September 2012, 15:26

Went for a burn up to Palmy yesterday, first time I've put a leg over the bike since my last update.

Over Piecock hill was a different test than the Rimutaka hill. Piecock (obviously this isn't how it's meant to be spelled, but I don't care), is a mixture of near perfect seal, transitioning to a goat track, then back to nice. The hoops coped very well with that, and continued to do what I wanted of them.

I've twice now had the front feel border line tucking, but it's not consistent enough for me to think it's a tyre issue. Both times was easily sorted out by merely dropping shoulder a tad, so not sure why I brought it up.

Smooth and comfy on the open road, will report again when I next ride.

**emaN** · 24th September 2012, 20:05

Good read.
Am lookin' at these now.
Had been looking at Power One Streets' or Dunlop D211s', but a local shop stocks the S20's, so I'm kinda leaning towards these.

I'm currently on standard Powers, and at my last trackday in Taupo got very frustrated at being unable to "launch" outta bends - all they did was slide.

Anymore comments on them Drew?

**Drew** · 24th September 2012, 22:38

Originally Posted by emaN

Good read.
Am lookin' at these now.
Had been looking at Power One Streets' or Dunlop D211s', but a local shop stocks the S20's, so I'm kinda leaning towards these.

I'm currently on standard Powers, and at my last trackday in Taupo got very frustrated at being unable to "launch" outta bends - all they did was slide.

Anymore comments on them Drew?

Only pilots I've got time on is the Pilot Race, so I couldn't give a comparison sorry. What you're describing is what I used to battle with, on Continentals. Would go round the corner mint, and just fail when you turn it on.

The ol' RF don't do mid corner speed to speak of, so I imagine you will note much improvement in teh corner exit grip.

**JayRacer37** · 28th September 2012, 15:30

Originally Posted by Drew

Went for a burn up to Palmy yesterday, first time I've put a leg over the bike since my last update.

Over Piecock hill was a different test than the Rimutaka hill. Piecock (obviously this isn't how it's meant to be spelled, but I don't care), is a mixture of near perfect seal, transitioning to a goat track, then back to nice. The hoops coped very well with that, and continued to do what I wanted of them.

I've twice now had the front feel border line tucking, but it's not consistent enough for me to think it's a tyre issue. Both times was easily sorted out by merely dropping shoulder a tad, so not sure why I brought it up.

Smooth and comfy on the open road, will report again when I next ride.

Reading into this I am wondering if you still have just 30psi in the front? (Or checked it from the ride before...?) As this is the sensation a race front gives when it is too low pressured and was what I was refering to at the start of this thread. The load you and the RF would put on the front on entry (lots, with its weight and your braking force) means that the sidewall will be prone to 'rolling' out of line giving the loosing the front sensation. Would recommend you try 32-34psi cold and see what feel this gives you on entry.

**Drew** · 28th September 2012, 21:47

I did raise the pressure, but haven't checked them for a while.

**Drew** · 6th November 2012, 11:05

So, last week it was time to do my first Thursday night ride of the season. I've just fitted a better set of brakes to the front of the bike too, so it was test time.

I finally got round to pumping the hoops up to suggested pressure range, and if I'm honest, 35 PSI is not a number I would ever contemplate were I testing tyres for the distributor. Needless to say, I was not confident that I would get the feedback I like from them. I was WRONG! They felt great, and with the exception of me shitting my pants when the front hit a cats eye on the road, (only because it was a very noticeable 'hop' over it, instead of the usual rolling with little effect), I was only more impressed than I had been before.

I got away a bit later than the rest of the group, so I had the road mostly to myself, in near ideal conditions, so I lifted the pace from last time over the Rimutaka hill. I can honestly say, that on the road, I am as confident at any speed in the S20's, as I have been with Supercorsas, or Racetecs. And, when I get my mono groove on, they're more stable than the race rubber!

They're getting to between 500 and 100 km's since new, and there is no noticeable wear thus far. They don't shred up when you give them a hard time either, which is nice should the local constabulary ever be trying to tell you off for riding like a 'tard'.

Oh yeah, the brakes now work. Quite a strange sensation for the lever not to progress all the way back to the bar as I approach corners. I can 'plan' overtaking, instead of doing it as a side effect of not being able to slow down as much as whoever is in front of me. Weird man!

**Drew** · 16th November 2012, 10:33

Last night's ride was remarkably traffic light. So with the added bonus of an L1 gixxer thou to chase/lead, I started using a bit more lean angle, a bit more body weight distribution, and a LOT more front brake.

Once again, the S20's did what they are meant to do. I think however, I have found the major difference between race rubber, and sports. Where racetechs/supercorsas/pilot race "push back" when they are being loaded and worked, the 'feel' I get from the S20's reduces as the pace climbs. They're still hanging on, we were going quite fast, and I haven't had a moment, but I think that were I to push any more I'd be in the shit.

Wear. Getting to around 1000km's I suppose, and there is no noticeable wear at this point.

Dunno if anyone is still reading this shit. I hope I'm doing whatever it is I'm meant to be here.

**Owl** · 16th November 2012, 15:40

Originally Posted by Drew

Dunno if anyone is still reading this shit.

I'm reading!

**onearmedbandit** · 16th November 2012, 17:02

Originally Posted by Drew

the 'feel' I get from the S20's reduces as the pace climbs. They're still hanging on, we were going quite fast, and I haven't had a moment, but I think that were I to push any more I'd be in the shit.

Thank you. I've experienced the same sensation as you but dismissed it. They definitely stick when pushed but the feel drops away. Not enough for me to lose faith in them, I think they'll still go harder but they go 'dead'.